ABOUT US
We are religious women namely Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (MSMHC) committed to the service of people, especially the less poor and marginalized in the society. We are the first indigenous Congregation founded in North East India (Guwahati) on October 24, 1942, at Guwahati, Assam by Most Rev. Archbishop Stephen Ferrando SDB, the then Bishop of Shillong. Today, our Congregation has grown to encompass six provinces across India and two mission delegations in Italy and Africa. The members work in 66 dioceses spread out in India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Italy, Swaziland, Lesotho, South Sudan, South Africa, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Hawaiian Islands, Germany, Papua New Guinea and Philippines. The provincial headquarters in India are located in Shillong, Tinsukia, Tezpur, Guwahati, Kolkata, and Bangalore. Enriched by a vibrant diversity, the Congregation is blessed with members representing 75 distinct ethnic groups from both India and abroad, embodying the universality and inclusiveness of our mission.
The Province of Kolkata, under the patronage of Mary Immaculate, was canonically erected on 09th December 2002. Today, our province comprises 152 sisters who are actively engaged in missionary apostolates, inspired by the vision of our founder, Venerable Stephen Ferrando. Our primary apostolate is evangelization and catechetical instruction, with a special emphasis on serving women, girls, and children in rural villages. In addition to this, we are involved in diverse ministries including education, healthcare, and social services. We manage schools, boarding houses, hostels, oratories, vocational training centres, dispensaries, mobile clinics, and homes for the elderly.
SERVICES
SPIRITUALITY
Our spirituality is Salesian, and is intimately linked to the Salesian Spirit. It comprises daily participation in the Holy Eucharist and adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, meditation on the Word of God, Marian piety, well prepared liturgical celebrations, frequent reception of the sacrament of reconciliation, monthly recollection and annual retreat. We cultivate special devotion to the patron saints of the Congregation and practice popular forms of spirituality as novenas, triduums, processions, pilgrimages and liturgical feasts.
FORMATION
“I have chosen you to be with me and to be sent out” (Mk. 3:16).
Formation is a journey of discipleship in Jesus Christ, aimed at shaping the whole person in His image. It involves embracing the mind and heart of Christ; His values, attitudes, and way of life. This transformative process prepares individuals to participate fully in the mission of the Church, in harmony with the unique charism and spirit of the Congregation. The purpose of MSMHC formation is to foster the holistic development of each individual, enabling her to lead an integrated
MINISTRIES
EVANGELIZATION
Our apostolate of missionary evangelization, understood as mission ad gentes, consists in the supreme duty of proclaiming Christ to all those who do not know Christ, inviting them to conversion of heart, faith in Christ and membership in the Church through baptism. Our apostolate of missionary evangelization, understood as mission ad gentes, consists in the supreme duty of proclaiming Christ to all who do not know Him. We invite them to a conversion of heart, faith in Christ, and membership in the Church through baptism. Our founder says; “The most beautiful work is announcing the Good News to those who do not know Christ.” We carry out the missionary evangelization through:
YOUTH CARE - YAC & WAC
The YAC movement is dedicated to catechizing young people, offering them a meaningful opportunity to become lay collaborators in the mission of evangelization. It seeks to empower them to live as true apostles of Christ, inspired by faith and service. Embracing the charism of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians, these young members become active partners in advancing the mission of the Church.
The movement is named “Young Apostles of Christ” deriving its origin from the motto of our founder Venerable Bp. Stephen Ferrando SDB, “Apostle of Christ” which continues to guide and ignite the spirit of the movement.
EDUCATION
SOCIAL APOSTOLATE
Pope Francis says, “The Church has to go forth to everyone without exception. But to whom should she go first? When we read the Gospel, we find a clear indication: not so much our friends and wealthy neighbours, but above all the poor and the sick…” (EG 48). “Charity is at the heart of the Church’s doctrine” (CV 2). It was the wish of our Founder that we be a Congregation of charity. Therefore, according to him zeal for charity is to be at the centre of our spirit, and as missionaries we are to speak the language of charity. In our works of charity, villages and rural areas shall always have a pride of place. While engaged in works of charity…
Please feel free to contact or talk to us for any assistance or support related to our programmes, seminars, services that we provide.